PREFACE

Beyond the recollection of the Dervish revolt, the

death of Gordon, and Kitchener's triumph, the name Sudan conveys but little impression to many who

have not the opportunity of personally visiting the

regions included under that name.

While the bibliography of the country is con-

siderable, with little exception it was to a great

extent merely exploratory and speculative until Count Gleichen put on record an immense amount

of the detailed observations of various experts,

and, more recently, Dr. Wallis Budge, with his

great fund of accumulated knowledge and personal

research, compiled two large historical volumes of

absorbing interest. The labours of the Wellcome

Research Laboratories have also added considerably

to scientific information as to the conditions of the

country and people, and Sir Harry Johnston has

contributed important studies. I have referred

freely to these various works, and have had the

opportunity of converse with various authorities

resident in the country.

The aim of the following pages is to show the Sudan, or some portions of it, as it appears to the

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